Novell announced today two programs to ensure that customers and partners can obtain high quality technical expertise to support Novell's Linux-based solutions. Novell launched its Certified Linux Engineer (CLE) program, including the CLE Practicum exam, and the SUSE® Certified Linux Professional certification, which recognizes expertise on the SUSE LINUX distribution.

Both programs are designed to increase the base of technical knowledge on Linux and Linux-based solutions in the market today, giving enterprise customers and partners the confidence they need to deploy Linux strategically.

"Linux is the fastest growing server operating environment and Novell is making a significant commitment to driving Linux into the enterprise," said Bob Couture, vice president for worldwide services for Novell. "For enterprises to adopt Linux, and Novell® Linux solutions, they need to know that there's a pool of expertise they can tap to install and manage those Linux environments, whether through their internal IT staff or through a trusted partner. The Novell CLE and SUSE Certified Linux Professional certifications, which focus on developing real hands-on capabilities, will give customers this confidence."

The Novell CLE requires a core understanding of Linux, and Novell strongly recommends candidates obtain the level of knowledge required for the widely recognized Linux Professional Institute Certification Level I (LPIC-1). Competency in the objectives included in the LPIC-1 certification is required in Novell's Practicum exam for the CLE. Novell and its training partners will offer an intensive five-day course on Novell Nterprise™ Linux Services, which delivers file, print, messaging, directory and management services on Linux, to provide training on installing, configuring, and troubleshooting those services. Finally, candidates will need to pass the Practicum CLE examination to test real competency and skills operating in Linux and Novell Nterprise Linux Services environments.

"Clients want to be assured that staff, consultants and partners involved in their Linux adoption are competently trained and certified. Our CLE exam is no 'paper certification'," said Dan Veitkus, head of worldwide training services for Novell. "CLE candidates must demonstrate they can handle practical challenges on Linux and Novell Nterprise Linux Services by completing randomly selected scenarios requiring the resolution of a given problem or process, all within a specified time period. Our patent-pending Practicum technology enables us to challenge students to demonstrate that they have not only learned the concepts taught in our courses, but can practically apply the knowledge they have acquired in live environments."

The SUSE Certified Linux Professional (SCLP) is based on the LPIC-1, with enhancements. While the LPIC-1 checks basic distribution-independent Linux skills, candidates for the SCLP also need to show expertise in SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server-specific issues that are not covered by the LPI exams. This includes the SUSE administration tool YaST and various standard services of SUSE LINUX Enteprise Server (such as the CUPS print server). The exam tests basic skills in connection with the configuration of various SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server services. LPIC-1-certified candidates who pass the SUSE LINUX exam are awarded the title SCLP.

The Novell CLE will be available at Novell's annual BrainShare® conference the week of March 22, 2004 and through global partners in April 2004. The SUSE LINUX exam for the SCLP will also be available in late March 2004.

About Novell

Novell, Inc. (Nasdaq: NOVL) is a leading provider of infrastructure software and services to over 50,000 customers in 43 countries. With more than 20 years of experience in data center, workgroup and desktop solutions, Novell's 6,000 employees, 5,000 partners and support centers around the world are meeting customer requirements for identity-driven computing and Linux solutions. By providing enterprise-class software and support for commercial and open source software, Novell delivers increased operating flexibility and choice at a lower total cost of ownership. More information about Novell can be found at http://www.novell.com.

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